My love affair with the mountains and hills of Ireland began with a visit to Westport, home to Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain. I had recently begun a new drug therapy, which was to transform my life. Before this, I had days where I was unable to walk across the rooms in my home. I had to resort to crawling on my hands and knees to get to the other side, life was difficult. Standing on top of the Croagh, all 760 metres and looking across Clew Bay was like a minor miracle. It was a beautiful moment that continues to live in my memory. My health and vigour improved and over the next seven years I. found great joy and inspiration in the mountains. I stood on Ireland's "rooftops" on one hundred and fifty occasions. I climbed in Kerry, Donegal, Clare, Wicklow, Tipperary, Mayo and County Down. My favourite climbs were the six mountain ranges in Connemara, County Galway, where I lived. I have also climbed twice in the Swiss Alps, the first time I climbed up to the Dom hut, at an elevation of 3000 metres, the second time at 4000 metres.
I set myself two goals. The first was to climb all fourteen of Ireland's peaks over 900 metres (3000 feet). I achieved this on March 31st. 2012 on crossing the Bones (956 metres), the knife edged ridge connecting Ireland's two tallest mountains, Beenkeragh (1010 metres) and Carrantuohil (1039 metres). The second goal was the completion of climbing 100 local mountains and hills the following year. The '100 Locals' was a great way to explore the Connemara landscape. On June 13th. 2013, I made my ascent of the Lugmore ridge bringing me my three final summits. The mountains of Ireland are not as tall as the Alps, but for me, they are marvellous, especially those with a demanding ridge walk.
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Mountain climbing and hill walking are not without their risks. I know stories of experienced and not so experienced climbers who have perished on the mountains of Ireland. Many were healthy and fit individuals and as far as I am aware, did not have a chronic condition like Parkinson's. Accidents happen and the causes are many. The weather conditions are one factor. lack of local knowledge is another while poor preparation is a third. I knew the risks every time I set out from home. I would plan and prepare as best I could to climb safely and return home happy, successful and without incident.
I took a calculated risk. I had the physical capacity and capability to walk in the mountains and with it, the confidence in my abilities. I no longer have these. To pursue this passion now would be reckless. I can look back and take pleasure and satisfaction that I made the most of the opportunities that came my way.